SSA builds the COLA from three CPI-W months. July 2026 is in at 327.104, which puts the 2027 COLA at 3.1% so far, not the 3.6% in headlines.
Every SAI calculator online still runs last year's tables. Here's the official 2027-28 formula, a ChatGPT prompt for it, and the entry that costs $10,152.
Leftover 529 money has four exits. The Roth rollover moves one IRA limit a year, so $20,000 takes three years, and cashing out costs 6.6% to 10.2%.
Four options for a 401(k) from a job you left, the 20% withholding that turns a $50,000 check into $40,000, and three cases where an IRA costs you.
Social Security break-even ages assume your money earns nothing. At a 3% real return, claiming at 62 versus 67 breaks even at 82 years 9 months.